After military service, veterans face various health challenges, leading to a poor quality of life. With all their sacrifices, especially for the country, they must live out their remaining years with proper care and support. If you’re the primary caregiver of an aging veteran loved one, here are five essential ways you can help them secure a meaningful, productive, and memorable post-military life.
Focus on Their Mental Health
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, out of every 100 veterans, 7% will have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They also noted that veterans are more prone to PTSD than civilians, and female veterans have a higher chance of acquiring it. As your loved one’s primary caregiver, you must focus on providing the mental health support that they need. Make sure to seek assistance from a psychiatric social worker, a psychological therapist, or other mental health professionals.
Create an Efficient and Relevant Routine
Breaking down the tasks or developing an efficient daily routine can significantly help you in your caregiver journey. List your loved one’s doctor appointments, recreational activities, therapies, and other essential weekly endeavors. It is also ideal to plan and prepare your veteran’s meals in advance to ensure they eat healthily and save you from unnecessary hassle or conflicts.
Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
Aside from providing your veteran loved one with nutritious food, you must also motivate them to engage in health-promoting activities. Encourage them to exercise regularly, even for a few minutes every day. If they lack the motivation to move, join them in some of their workouts. For instance, you can accompany your loved one during their morning walks or find them an exercise group within their neighborhood.
If they still have vices or engage in unhealthy activities, gently urge them to stop and highlight the significance of staying strong and healthy at their age. In addition, remember to consult with your veteran’s primary physician to ensure they receive the proper medication and treatment for their health issues, especially if they’re suffering from chronic pain.
Prioritize Home Safety
As your loved one ages, their safety risks also increase. Do a safety assessment of their residence and look for possible safety hazards, specifically in areas they usually frequent. Pay close attention to their bathrooms, as this is the place they often go to without assistance. Install support grab-bars, place anti-slip mats, and improve their lighting. You can also invest in an elevated toilet seat to make it easier for your veteran, especially if they have mobility concerns.
Look for a Support Community
With numerous caregiving tasks, caring for a veteran who simply wants to enjoy their golden years can be stressful and overwhelming. Search for support groups dedicated to family caregivers and leverage all available tools and platforms that can help you in this undertaking. If you have other relatives who can help, don’t hesitate to reach out. The more support you have, the more efficient you will be as a caregiver.
Endnote
Caring for a veteran loved one requires a positive and flexible mindset. By implementing the above strategies and seeking proper help, you can provide your veteran with high-quality care without compromising your own health and well-being. Your contribution to the National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV) makes a difference in the lives of those recovering from severe injuries and disabilities nationwide. We believe that our programs and services will make an unprecedented impact by donors. We look forward to hearing from you in 2024. God bless you. For more information, call NAAV, Inc. at office: (202) 465-3296 or email: info@naavets.org.